Millions of Students Face School Closures Due to Extreme Heat, Bangladesh

Millions of students around the world are facing disruptions in their education as extreme heat forces school closures in various regions. The soaring temperatures, exacerbated by climate change, have led to challenging learning conditions in countries like Bangladesh, where students struggle to focus in classrooms without proper cooling systems. The impact is not limited to one particular area, with heatwaves affecting schools in parts of Asia and North Africa, prompting authorities to weigh the risks of keeping students in hot classrooms versus allowing them to stay home and cool off. The widening gap in learning outcomes between developed and developing nations is a concern, as excessive heat disrupts cognitive functions and hinders academic performance. Efforts to address the issue, such as building heat-resilient schools, are being made in some countries like the U.S. and Jordan. As the world continues to warm, the disparities in education caused by extreme heat are likely to increase, affecting students’ academic progress and overall well-being.